1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Recent Examples of alchemy
That sort of alchemy had been rare through this season.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The Lees’ kitchen performs some kind of alchemy that transmogrifies straightforward ingredients like cabbage into minor miracles.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
But the quiet alchemy of performance can be just as impressive.
—Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026
Something about her energy was really like the alchemy of me meeting her for this movie, and what this character is going through.
—Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The Lees’ kitchen performs some kind of alchemy that transmogrifies straightforward ingredients like cabbage into minor miracles.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
But the quiet alchemy of performance can be just as impressive.
—Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026
Something about her energy was really like the alchemy of me meeting her for this movie, and what this character is going through.
—Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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In one example, some teachers are let into the fictional realm of Agartha, which is a key setting in neo-Nazi occultism where everyone is white and blond.—
Owen Carry,
Wired News,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The transformation of Tarocchi into a divinatory tool began in the late 18th century, driven by the rise of occultism in France.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
During periods of heightened solar activity, there's even a chance of spotting auroras alongside meteors, adding an extra layer of magic to the already beautiful view!—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
But the magic comes from the simple concert format, which places all of the focus on Platt and Zegler’s voices.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Whatever sorcery is at work, McFadden is a writer at the top of her game—and the undisputed mistress of the psychological thriller.—
E.L. James,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
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Watch On Longing for the colorful tumbling force of fantastic '80s-era sci-fi sword-and-sorcery flicks that dominated multiplexes and mom-and-pop video rental shops in the Reagan years?—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Potter franchise has captivated millions across many generations, bringing to life the idea of witchcraft and wizardry.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Unlike standard comforters, this one is specifically intended to cool you down at night, which sounds like witchcraft to me in the best way.—
Quincy Bulin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hitchcock deserves credit for putting his personal artistic flourishes aside to create a straightforward adaptation, undistracted by technical wizardry.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Apr. 2026
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Doncic showcased his offensive wizardry, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in Lakers history to record at least 40 points in a season 10 times.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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